Syracuse, N.Y. -- Earlier this morning, I posted a commentary about the Carrier Dome and how it stands at No. 78 in one poll and could (should?) weigh in at No. 1 in another.

And just that quickly, a gentleman from the South (who happens to be an expatriate from the North ... our North) disagreed.

Here are this thoughts, followed by some of my own.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Apparently you've never been to Death Valley in Clemson, S.C.! It is deafening, intimidating and usually packed to the gills, unlike the half-empty Carrier Dome.

You should write an article about the cheapskates in Central New York, who with all their bravado regarding the 'Cuse, are apparently too damn cheap to spend $99 for a season ticket to Orange football games.

The place has clearly not changed since I left some 20 years ago from the standpoint of people who just don't seem to get it.

The world does not begin and end in Central New York. It doesn't and never will. Too cheap . . . horrible weather . . . and filled with people who are basically clueless about the rest of the country.

For your information, a ticket to the Clemson-vs.-Georgia game is selling for a minimum of $350 down here!

I like your writing, but you are dead wrong on this one! See ya in a few months for the reality check -- Clemson vs. the Orange on Oct. 5. In the Dome.

-- James Slater
Seneca, S.C.

B.P.: First of all, I wrote in today's commentary about what the Carrier Dome could be and should be as far as football goes, while acknowleging what it unfortunately is. Big difference there.

Secondly, I think you're being kind of rough on your former town and neighbors, but you're entitled to your opinion. Still, I do agree with you about our area having a few too many folks who don't seem to have ventured very far beyond our perimeter.

There are a lot of good ideas out there (i.e., a lot of progressive thinking) that seem to have escaped the grasp of some of our citizens. I'd like to think we're working on that.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Here is the usual weekly “ schedule of events” in Bud Poliquin’s corner of syracuse.com:

MONDAY -- By 7 a.m.: The daily column/commentary. By 11:30 a.m.: “How’d I Do?” By 6 p.m.: “Ask Me Anything” by submitting questions (to which I’ll give answers) on any sports-related topic to bpoliquin@syracuse.com. (Please include your name and the identity of your hometown.)

TUESDAY -- By 7 a.m.: The daily column/commentary. By 11:30 a.m.: “Coach’s Corner,” wherein readers can submit questions to any coach at any level in Central New York (and answers will be posted) to bpoliquin@syracuse.com. (Please include name and hometown.) By 6 p.m.: “The Video Store.”

WEDNESDAY -- By 7 a.m.: The daily column/commentary. By 11:30 a.m.: “The List.” By 6 p.m.: “E-Mail Of The Week,” wherein readers can submit legitimate essays/open letters/observations for purposes of posting to bpoliquin@syracuse.com. (Please include name and hometown.)